Hornbeam is a typical tree of this part of the country; a few thousand years ago when it was all woodland, hornbeam would have been one of the main species growing over what is now London. I think it’s because it likes clay. And it’s still common in Dulwich Woods at least; the aerial seeds get absolutely everywhere later in the year. Particularly in spring, when the leaves are opening, I think it’s a really beautiful species; the leaves emerge from the buds all folded up, like fans, and unfold with a kind of corrugated texture.